As I get older, I start to sound more like Regina George’s mom, and not sarcastic. Mean Girls You desperately beg the young people around you to explain to you what’s actually cool about it, then explain it a second time like you’re a five-year-old. What’s the 411? What’s the hot gossip? Tell me all about it… What are you guys listening to? What are the cool songs? Luckily, that last question isn’t too hard to answer, since the summer of 2024 is pop girl season. Even those of us who are 30 and soon to be 65 couldn’t help but notice that this year is Charli XCX’s Brat Girl Summer. Not to be confused with Rat Girl Summer or the even more niche Tomato Girl Summer, Brat Summer is a slime-green movement inspired by Charlotte Emma Aitchison’s beloved album, BRAT.
At this point, every living thing with internet access should be aware of the radioactive green that will undoubtedly be the Pantone Color of the Year in 2025. But just because you have every “Girl, So Confusing” meme saved in your camera roll doesn’t mean the rules of Brat Girl Summer are painfully obvious. So, I decided to gift my fellow infrequently online pals a foolproof guide to Charli XCX’s Brat Girl Summer trends. If this summer is going to be scorching hot, you might as well tune into the freakout.
What is Brat Summer?
Brat Girl Summer is the viral aesthetic and lifestyle associated with being a brat, a fan/follower of the undisputed global leader, Charli XCX. Naturally, the question arises of who qualifies as a brat (besides Julia Fox or her soon-to-be sister-in-law, Gabriette). In a TikTok interview, Charli XCX explains what brat means in easy-to-understand terms that everyone can understand: “You’re that girl who’s kind of messy, loves to party, and might say stupid things sometimes. She’s honest, blunt, and a little quirky. That’s a brat.” Personally, I think the lyrics of “Mean Girls” are the most brat-ish on the entire album.
Oh, it’s 4am and she’s there
With a sharp tongue attached to a thin cigarette
Fingering the gold cross, calling him daddy
She’s kind of a dodgy girl, but she’s still in Vogue.
Yes, she’s in her mid-20s and she’s really smart.
And hate the fact that she’s a New York darling
He said she was a troublemaker, but that was too fanatical.
I think she already knows you’re into her
Even those of us not in our mid-twenties (say goodbye to youth) can ride this sassy wave. And it means more than just wearing green. Living a sassy life this summer means bringing back a sassy wardrobe because everyone deserves to be sassy, being able to apologise while swearing, blasting hyper pop while crying your hangover, and bleaching your eyebrows while mindlessly growing your unibrow are just a few examples. It’s an edgy mash-up of high and low that’s trying to come back into fashion for slacker girls who still like to look sexy since Ke$ha went hardcore with glitter on the floor.
What are your Brat Girl Summer essentials?
@thenewsmovement Friday marks the start of 💚Brat Summer💚 and we’re excited for it. Charlie XCX released her 15-track album on Friday, but surprised fans by adding 3 more songs in the extended version released on Sunday 🤯 #bratgirlsummer #bratsummer #charlixcx #music #brat ♬Original Sound – The News Movement
According to Charlie, it’s up to each brat’s peeling, nail polish-covered hands to decide what’s essential to a successful brat summer. did it Like Charlie’s Italian cruise with her best friend, complete with luxury speedboats and champagne glasses full of booze. But in the celebrity’s own words, “it’s also a little vulgar” with a strappy white top, a pack of cigarettes and a Bic lighter. We love a celebrity trend that’s achievable on a budget, so here’s a curated list of brat girl items and ideas to complete your brat girl summer.
- Hand-decorated cigarette case
- Fake designer handbags from a middle schooler’s closet
- removable tooth jewels
- Wired headphones always get tangled
- Y2K-themed lip gloss confuses men
- Stacked rings on the middle finger
- Makeup remover sheets, regardless of what the skincare police say
- Eye mask and earplugs to help you sleep well after an all-nighter
Whatever your wayward heart desires! Above all else, Brat Summer is about having fun on your own terms and not caring what other people have to say.
